Registry Etiquette

More and more people are replacing traditional gift giving with unique, meaningful ways to celebrate special occasions and holidays. And, since Heifer Giving Registries are an even newer way to go about giving, it might help to have some guidance on what to do and what not to do. Questions about how to ask for Heifer gifts rather than yet another pair of holiday socks or how to tell your wedding guests you'd like a pig more than a blender are common when beginning your Heifer Giving Registry.

We've assembled a sampling of "to dos" and "not to dos" that will make your registry experience friendly and comfortable for you and your registry visitors.

Gift Recipient Tips

What's the best way to let our guests know about our wedding registry with Heifer?
When you register with Heifer Giving Registries, we give you the opportunity to email friends and family through our Registry Email Center. We also allow you to create a personalized URL or web address (http://www.heifer.org/myregistry/yournamehere) that you can include on your save the date cards, wedding invitations or any other correspondences you send about your wedding. And if friends and family are unfamiliar with Heifer, we have handy printable PDF inserts that you can print and use in your invitation to let them know a little more about our mission and work. If more traditional guests insist on giving you other gifts, you must of course send them a thank you, and consider sending them a Heifer insert along with it, too!

How do I politely let people know I don't want traditional gifts?
There's no other way to do it. Just tell them. You can use a Heifer Giving Registry as a wish list for your birthday, anniversary, holiday, wedding and more. The notification you'll send through our Registry Email Center is customizable, allowing you to explain to friends and family why you don't want the usual gifts. If you speak from the heart, there's very little to dispute.

Is it acceptable to email thank you notes?
If someone gives you a Heifer gift through your giving registry, we think it's absolutely acceptable to send a thank you via email. But, we also think there's something nice about a handwritten note especially because they've given you exactly what you wanted!

Gift Giver Tips

When I give a gift to someone through their registry for any event, do I also have to get them a traditional gift?
Absolutely not. The act of giving an alternative gift is inherently special, unique and extremely thoughtful. You can, however, send them a card and let them know you've given to their registry. Heifer provides an assortment of printable PDF honor cards, e-mail gift cards  and beautifully crafted mail cards that you can give to your friends and family. Remember the act of giving an alternative gift full of meaning and hope is the gift all in itself!

Could I establish a registry in honor of a friend or family member as a memorial?
Of course. Setting up a memorial through a Heifer Giving Registry is a wonderful way to honor the memory of loved ones and provide families around the world with a lifelong legacy of hope and self reliance.

Create a Heifer Gift Registry today!